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Sturbridge.com

Wayne County Historical Society

This historic locomotive made its debut in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, in 1829, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the American railroad system. Built in England, the Stourbridge Lion was imported to the United States by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company to test the feasibility of using steam locomotives to haul coal.
On August 8, 1829, the Stourbridge Lion's inaugural run on the Honesdale Gravity Railroad demonstrated the locomotive's capabilities, albeit on a limited track. While it was deemed a successful test, the locomotive's weight proved too much for the wooden track, and it never saw extensive service in Honesdale. Despite this, the Stourbridge Lion's historic run in Honesdale paved the way for the development of American railroads, influencing future locomotive designs and construction.
Today, a full-scale replica of the Stourbridge Lion is on display at the Wayne County Historical Society in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The locomotive's legacy lives on as a symbol of innovation in transportation history, and visitors to Honesdale can explore this replica, learn about its significance, and gain insight into the pivotal role it played in shaping the American railroad system.

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The Railway Hub

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Wayne County Historical Society

The Stourbridge Lion holds a significant place in transportation history as the first steam locomotive to operate on American soil.

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The Stourbridge Lion, a remarkable feat of engineering, is now on display at the Wayne County Museum in Honesdale, along with other D&H Canal memorabilia.
D&H Canal Museum

Although the test was successful, the locomotive's weight proved too much for the wooden track and the Stourbridge Lion saw few runs.
Lionel

The Stourbridge Lion was originally built in Stourbridge, England, by Foster, Rastrick, and Company in 1828.
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The Stourbridge Lion's successful operation was significant in the history of the railroad, as it proved that steam locomotives could be a practical and efficient means of transportation.

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